| What is a Watershed? |
| A Watershed is an area of land
that drains water into a common receiving body
or outlet such as a stream. Watershed boundaries
are defined by nature and are largely determined
by the topography or "lay of the land." |
| What is
Watershed Planning? |
| Watershed planning is a
collaborative approach to addressing a variety
of related water resource issues including water
quality protection. This approach allows
stakeholders to share information, better target
limited financial resources, and address common
water-related challenges. These challenges can
include improving stream and lake water quality,
preserving and protecting groundwater resources,
managing stormwater, reducing soil erosion and
flood damage, conserving open space, protecting
wildlife habitat, providing safe lake and stream
recreational opportunities, supporting
opportunities for economic development,
preserving prime farmland, and other issues of
concern. Watershed-based plans are being
developed throughout Illinois and elsewhere in
the country to address
nonpoint-source pollution prevention and
water resource protection needs as well as
provide a unique forum for public education,
involvement, outreach, and community-capacity
building opportunities. |
| Benefits of
Participation |
Planning on a watershed basis
provides an opportunity to address
quality-of-life issues related to natural
resources that we share in common. Watershed
planning enables development of solutions to
common problems that better match the way in
which water flows through our local landscapes.
Watershed planning can increase public awareness
and community support for local sustainability
initiatives. Outcomes include recommendations
for priority watershed projects and plans.
Action items identified in the plan become
eligible for state and federal funding to help
local sponsors implement those projects. |
|
|
